Knicks' lineup unsettled ahead of opener

Carmelo Anthony is one of the only sure things in the starting lineup as the Knicks set for their opener.(AP)

GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) -- The starting lineup still isn't finalized and the bench will be weakened. Not the ideal way for the New York Knicks to start a season.

They were blistering at the beginning last year, blowing out Miami in their opener en route to a 6-0 record, a win shy of their best start ever. They had at least a share of the Atlantic Division lead every day and won it for the first time since 1994.

But Carmelo Anthony says Tuesday that ''last year is over in my mind'' and that the Knicks are ''ready to go out there and play.''

They start Wednesday night against Milwaukee at Madison Square Garden, with Anthony perhaps back at the power forward spot and J.R. Smith not in the arena while he serves a five-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug program.